Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would increase awareness of an existing program that helps Americans with disabilities access job training, employment services, and support without risking their benefits.
The Ticket to Work Awareness Act would increase awareness of the Ticket to Work (TTW) program. The program allows beneficiaries of Social Security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, between the ages of 18 and 64
to obtain free employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other support services.
The program was designed to help beneficiaries who can and want to achieve financial independence. Participation is voluntary and participants do not lose their disability benefits.
The bill would require the Social Security Administration commissioner to advertise the program to beneficiaries at least every six months. If the bill becomes law, the administration has 12 months for implementation.
U.S. Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA), French Hill (R-AR), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Donald Davis (D-NC), Max Miller (R-OH) and Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the bill.
“Nearly two-thirds of eligible beneficiaries have no idea the Ticket to Work program exists,” Hill said. “This commonsense bill improves outreach so people who want to work know what options are available to them, without adding new spending or growing government.”